Trigger Point Therapy & Myofascial Release Therapy
Welcome to a sanctuary of holistic well-being - Elevata Clinic.
Available Days
Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | Saturday | Sunday
Available Times
12 Noon – 5.30pm
Cost
$175 for 1 hour
What is Trigger Point Therapy?
Myofascial trigger points, or simply trigger points or muscle knots, are tight areas in the soft tissue that cause pain and aching in other parts of the body. Trigger points are commonly caused by muscle overuse, trauma, inflammation, infection and nerve pain. Trigger points can cause pain over the affected area that can radiate to other parts of the body.
Muscles with trigger points are weaker than normal, healthy muscles because they are unable to perform their normal function and move through their full range of motion. Other muscles may also be affected by these muscle knots and develop trigger points if the affected muscle is not treated right away. There are other factors that can contribute to the problem such as poor nutrition, stress and chronic illness.
Trigger point therapy is a form of massage therapy specifically designed to alleviate the pain that causes the knots by applying isolated pressure, manipulation, stretching and release on the target areas of pain. It should be remembered that the areas targeted may be different from where the client actually feels the pain.
Muscles with trigger points are weaker than normal, healthy muscles because they are unable to perform their normal function and move through their full range of motion. Other muscles may also be affected by these muscle knots and develop trigger points if the affected muscle is not treated right away. There are other factors that can contribute to the problem such as poor nutrition, stress and chronic illness.
Trigger point therapy is a form of massage therapy specifically designed to alleviate the pain that causes the knots by applying isolated pressure, manipulation, stretching and release on the target areas of pain. It should be remembered that the areas targeted may be different from where the client actually feels the pain.
How Does Trigger Point Therapy Work?
During a trigger point therapy, the therapist applies a firm digital pressure to locate specific points that cause pain and restricted movement. The client actively participates in the session through deep breaths to help the therapist identify the exact location and intensity of the discomfort.
Once the trigger points have been identified, the therapist employs one or more techniques to loosen the knots, including deep tissue massage, myofascial release and stretching among others. Applying constant pressure with their fingers or elbows, the therapist directs blood to the affected areas, which in turn increases the oxygen levels in the muscles to relieve the pain and increase range of motion. Trigger point therapy can be used in conjunction with other modalities such as sports massage.
Once the trigger points have been identified, the therapist employs one or more techniques to loosen the knots, including deep tissue massage, myofascial release and stretching among others. Applying constant pressure with their fingers or elbows, the therapist directs blood to the affected areas, which in turn increases the oxygen levels in the muscles to relieve the pain and increase range of motion. Trigger point therapy can be used in conjunction with other modalities such as sports massage.
What are the Benefits of Trigger Point Therapy?
Trigger point therapy eliminates pain, improves blood circulation, increases range of motion and retrains the muscles to move efficiently to prevent injuries in the future. It can help address a broad range of physical conditions such as the following:
Neck, shoulder and knee pain
Lower back pain
Headaches
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Sciatica
Sports and dance-related injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Stress and fatigue
Tendonitis
Menstrual cramps
Whiplash
Digestive issues
Plantar fasciitis
Neck, shoulder and knee pain
Lower back pain
Headaches
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Sciatica
Sports and dance-related injuries
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders
Stress and fatigue
Tendonitis
Menstrual cramps
Whiplash
Digestive issues
Plantar fasciitis
What Can You Expect From Trigger Point Therapy?
A session of trigger point therapy usually runs for two hours, beginning with a complete assessment of the client's health and medical history, lifestyle and pain score. The therapist may ask the client to perform certain movements, to check their posture and range of motion. Once they have gathered all relevant information, the practitioner can start developing a treatment plan that includes the appropriate manipulation techniques.
Although trigger point therapy is usually performed with the client unclothed, the latter may opt to wear a pair of shorts and a loose shirt in thin, lightweight fabric so that the practitioner can palpate their muscles and apply pressure where it is needed. Massage clients are always draped appropriately to keep them warm throughout the session. The use of essential oils in this type of bodywork is optional.
Before showing up at their appointment, the client must drink plenty of water to support their body as it flushes out the toxins released from the tight muscles during the treatment session.
The amount of trigger point therapy that a person will need depends on how their body responds to the initial treatment. People with chronic conditions seek treatment twice a week, while others schedule their sessions once a month. Simply put, the frequency of one's therapy lies in the pain signals of their body.
Although trigger point therapy is usually performed with the client unclothed, the latter may opt to wear a pair of shorts and a loose shirt in thin, lightweight fabric so that the practitioner can palpate their muscles and apply pressure where it is needed. Massage clients are always draped appropriately to keep them warm throughout the session. The use of essential oils in this type of bodywork is optional.
Before showing up at their appointment, the client must drink plenty of water to support their body as it flushes out the toxins released from the tight muscles during the treatment session.
The amount of trigger point therapy that a person will need depends on how their body responds to the initial treatment. People with chronic conditions seek treatment twice a week, while others schedule their sessions once a month. Simply put, the frequency of one's therapy lies in the pain signals of their body.
Is Trigger Point Therapy Safe?
There is no safer and better way to address trigger points than through trigger point therapy. This form of manual therapy employs specific massage techniques to release painful bands of taut muscle tissue without causing serious side effects.
What is Myofascial Release Therapy?
Myofascial release (MFR) therapy is an alternative physical therapy that helps in the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain by focusing on the release of muscular shortness and tightness. The fascia is a sheet of connective tissue that encloses muscles, covers underlying tissue, separates layers of tissue, and provides structural support for the skeletal system and soft tissues. The myofascial tissues are membranes that surround and support the muscles.
The main goal of MFR therapy is to stretch and loosen the fascia for it to move more freely along with other contiguous structures and therefore restoring the patient's range of motion. Patients who usually seek for MFR therapy are the ones who lost flexibility or function after an injury or pain associated with soft tissue. Symptoms of patients usually include:
- Tightness of the tissues -
- Pain from excessive pressure on joints or muscles -
- Pain from any parts of the body such as headache or back pain -
The main goal of MFR therapy is to stretch and loosen the fascia for it to move more freely along with other contiguous structures and therefore restoring the patient's range of motion. Patients who usually seek for MFR therapy are the ones who lost flexibility or function after an injury or pain associated with soft tissue. Symptoms of patients usually include:
- Tightness of the tissues -
- Pain from excessive pressure on joints or muscles -
- Pain from any parts of the body such as headache or back pain -
How Does Myofascial Release Therapy Work?
MFR therapy uses very slow, deliberate techniques. The therapist applies moderate pressure into the area of pain and then waits for the piezoelectric response to kick in. Then, the fascia starts to shift and release. When this happens, several sensations can be felt in the area, which ranges from a tingling feeling to a fairly mild burning sensation. The client will never feel any shooting or excruciating pain. At any point during the session, you may tell the therapist to lighten the pressure if it's too much for you to take.
The mechanics of MFR will cause soreness as an inflammatory response in the system. It should be remembered that soreness is a normal response of the body to change.
The mechanics of MFR will cause soreness as an inflammatory response in the system. It should be remembered that soreness is a normal response of the body to change.
What are the Benefits of Myofascial Release Therapy?
MFR therapy is a safe and super effective technique that involves manipulating the fascia and myofascial so that physical and energetic constrictions can be released and open areas that might be feeling stuck or resistant to any change.
The following are some benefits deemed to be gained from an MFR therapy session:
Increased blood flow
Reduced muscle soreness
Maintained normal functional muscular strength
Increased movement of the lymph Better range of motion
Additionally, patients with myofascial pain syndrome will definitely receive substantial benefits from this kind of therapy. MFR might be used for patients with venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency occurs when blood pools start to stretch and eventually damage the veins of the leg. Gentle massages on the tightened muscles in and around the head and neck areas may help in reducing headaches. Other conditions that can be treated with myofascial release therapy are temporomandibular joint disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and migraine.
MFR therapy has very few risks. This type of therapy is not ideal for people:
With painful wounds, injuries, or burns
With broken or fractured bones
With weak or fragile bones
With deep vein issues such as deep vein thrombosis
Taking blood-thinning medications
The following are some benefits deemed to be gained from an MFR therapy session:
Increased blood flow
Reduced muscle soreness
Maintained normal functional muscular strength
Increased movement of the lymph Better range of motion
Additionally, patients with myofascial pain syndrome will definitely receive substantial benefits from this kind of therapy. MFR might be used for patients with venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency occurs when blood pools start to stretch and eventually damage the veins of the leg. Gentle massages on the tightened muscles in and around the head and neck areas may help in reducing headaches. Other conditions that can be treated with myofascial release therapy are temporomandibular joint disorder, carpal tunnel syndrome, fibromyalgia and migraine.
MFR therapy has very few risks. This type of therapy is not ideal for people:
With painful wounds, injuries, or burns
With broken or fractured bones
With weak or fragile bones
With deep vein issues such as deep vein thrombosis
Taking blood-thinning medications
What Can You Expect From Myofascial Release Therapy?
A typical treatment session lasts an hour to an hour and a half. Wear something loose and comfortable so that the therapist can easily access your body's problem areas. Before the treatment session begins, the therapist will assess your health and review your medical history.
During the treatment proper, the practitioner will employ different stretching techniques to soften the myofascial tissues. You may feel a tingling sensation or slight discomfort, which is normal as your body releases connective tissues that have been restricted in the fascial system for a long time.
After the treatment, drink at least two glasses of water to replenish the fluids in your body and reduce post-treatment soreness. In addition to receiving treatment twice a week for at least three months, performing the self-care exercises prescribed by your practitioner will ensure lasting results.
During the treatment proper, the practitioner will employ different stretching techniques to soften the myofascial tissues. You may feel a tingling sensation or slight discomfort, which is normal as your body releases connective tissues that have been restricted in the fascial system for a long time.
After the treatment, drink at least two glasses of water to replenish the fluids in your body and reduce post-treatment soreness. In addition to receiving treatment twice a week for at least three months, performing the self-care exercises prescribed by your practitioner will ensure lasting results.
Is Myofascial Release Therapy Safe?
Myofascial release therapy, like other methods of massage therapy, doesn't have many risks.
Come rejuvenate your body, reset your mind, and discover a sense of renewed vitality at Elevata Retreat. Experience our blend of traditional and contemporary massage therapies and let the path to self-discovery, healing, and revitalization unfold.
ABOUT YOUR THERAPIST
Jeannette Oliver
My Journey to Hawaiian Lomilomi Practice
Sometimes transformation pops into our life in apparently simple but profound ways. It is a part of our earthly life that seems to manifest when the destiny intervenes. In the most mundane appearing circumstance, the preparation is being brewed behind the scenes and comes to form when we are not chasing it. This was the case in my path in massage therapy.
In returning to Hawaii from Australia in 1997 we ended up on the Big Island of Hawaii. I fell into working for a philanthropist, visionary who helped create the first integrative hospital in the USA, then becoming the outreach person for a successful Community Health initiative for a cluster of his non-profits we were facilitating. I really connected to the Hawaiian people, their way of life and was invited to study the traditional medicine.
In 2005, I met a highly revered master Aunty Margaret Machado and as she held my hands she said, “You do Lomi, it is in your heart and in your hands.” Aunty Margaret Machado is known as one of the first Hawaiians who started to teach outside of their ‘ohana (family). She was the Kupuna (elder) of the Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage (Lomilomi Aunty Margaret Style). I knew that when someone of that stature gives you a directive you better pay attention. So, my journey in Hawaiian Lomilomi Massage began. My training from her lineage was experienced directly in Hawaii through my Kumu (teacher) Haunani and several other respected Kumus throughout the years.
I have also gained more skills, knowledge and practices whilst working in Australia and believe we must grow and learn from many schools to blend what is needed to provide sessions unique to each person. This leads me to continue to grow and learn to bring what methods, knowledge and care I can to my clients.
